Neighborly [Seo Changbin + FemReader]

[4.4] Y/N

Yu-Jin bounced impatiently, standing at the edge of the countertop while I unloaded my purse and workbag from my arms upon arriving home. His excitement about having dinner with Seo Changbin again was palpable. I eyed him suspiciously.

"Why are you so antsy?"

He paused for one heartbeat to side eye me then quickly commenced to bouncing in place on the balls of his feet once again. He shrugged. "Mr. Seo is really nice, and I had fun yesterday. Did you think he was nice?"

I nodded, taking off my blazer and folding it over my arm. "Yes, I think he is nice." I fought with my thoughts as they wanted to replay the confrontation with Tae-Hyun and the nerve I had to kiss Seo Changbin after he had protected me. I still couldn't believe that I had done that, but I won't say that I regretted it at all. Being kissed back by him was better than I had in years. I didn't feel like he needed to show me how strong and powerful he was. There was a strength in the sweetness of his touch.

"Mom?" Yu-Jin interrupted my thought train, and I realized that I had fully given in to the inner monologue I was attempting to fight against.

"Sorry, Jinnie. Just lost in thought."

He grinned, a maturity shining through his youthful face that I was not ready to acknowledge yet. "Sure, Mom." He laughed to himself and turned to walk back toward his room. "You're blushing!"

My hands flew up to cover my warming cheeks. "Am not! I'm going to change clothes!" I huffed and with smile went to my own room. I quickly switched out my work clothes for a loose t-shirt and some joggers. That was always the biggest relief and release of dopamine after a long workday: changing into something comfortable and less restrictive.

It didn't take long before Yu-Jin was yelling that we didn't want to keep Mr. Seo waiting. I suddenly felt the pit of my stomach squeeze with nerves. I stepped in front of the mirror on my closet door to double check that I didn't look like I was showing up at his door in my pajamas... again.

"Come on, Mom!" Yu-Jin fussed from the kitchen.

I sighed, taking a deep breath and cursing the butterflies that were settling into my torso. "It's just a casual dinner. You can do this."

When Seo Changbin opened the door with a wide smile and an apron wrapped around his waist, my heartbeat didn't ask permission before it started to sprint. Yu-Jin, who had been chattering away beside me about something I wasn't paying attention to, bounded into the apartment like he belonged there. His movements were enough cover for me to take a deep breath and look over Seo Changbin again. I involuntarily dropped my gaze to his lips before looking away completely. Apparently, I was losing control of myself because I could feel the rosy warmth of a blush spreading across my neck and cheeks. Thankfully, he turned away before he could see it clearly.

"I'm almost done. Make yourself at home!" He smiled and walked back into the apartment. The comment felt more like it was for Yu-Jin, but I know he included me in it as well out of courtesy.

Shutting the door behind me, I followed him into his place. I took advantage of the opportunity to appreciate his build while walking behind him. After seeing him pick up Yu-Jin like a feather last night and not lose a single breath between carrying him home and even after shoving Tae-Hyun like he had, it was obvious that he was well defined under all that fabric. I had to literally shake my head to reset my mind from the visual path it was urging me to take.

Deep breaths, girl. It's been a long time, but you're not desperate. You're getting to know him better. That's all. This is not a date.

We rounded the corner to see the dining table set out for 3 people, and in the center of it was a vase full of a bouquet of mixed flowers. My heart stuttered at the gesture. They were fresh, vibrant, and definitely not there yesterday.